Theme-based scoreboard for events

ABSTRACT

A scoreboard for events and a method of constructing a scoreboard. Embodiments of the scoreboard may include a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a biographical theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the biographical theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations. Further embodiments of a scoreboard may include a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations, wherein the scoreboard is configured for a user to electronically enter and change team names displayed on the scoreboard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation-in-part of pending application Ser. No. 12/333,159, filed on Dec. 11, 2008, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Pending application Ser. No. 12/333,159 claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/014,011, filed on Dec. 14, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/007,331, filed on Dec. 11, 2007, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference therein.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to scoreboards for events, and more particularly to scoreboards that sharpen spectator interest in the event.

Scoreboards for events are in common use. These scoreboards are typically plain, or “vanilla.” That is, scoreboards typically serve primarily a basic informational purpose and evoke minimal interest from spectators beyond such information. Nevertheless, driven in part by television, more and more spectators look at events, such as sporting events, as a spectacle and expect more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a scoreboard that meets the expectations and enhances the experience and interest of spectators attending events. Specifically, a display surface on a support structure has a perimeter shape embodying a theme. Additionally, a graphic design on the display surface may also embody the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface. The scoreboard further includes a plurality of numerical representations, adapted and controllable for indicating an event, such as a score in a sporting event, for example. The graphic design and the theme enhance the experience and interest of spectators attending the event.

An aspect of embodiments of the present invention is a scoreboard including one or more substantially rectangular three-dimensional support structures that house apparatuses for generating the numerical representations. The one or more support structures also include a central display surface that may include a pattern of openings for displaying the numerical representations therethrough. Another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention is a scoreboard having a modular construction. For example, a scoreboard according to the present invention may include one or more appendage portions that are attached as outboard extensions of the support structure. The appendage portions may also include appendage display surfaces and be coupled to the support structure in such a way that the appendage display surfaces and the central display surface are aligned to provide a graphic design having the appearance of a single, uninterrupted graphic design.

According to one embodiment, a scoreboard for events includes a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations.

In one embodiment, the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design corresponds to a sports theme. In other embodiments, the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design corresponds to a geographic theme, a community theme, a recreation-based theme, a sponsor-based theme, or a mascot theme.

In one embodiment, the graphic design is printed on a vinyl sheet. In one embodiment, the vinyl sheet is attached to the display surface via an adhesive. In one embodiment, the graphic design is printed directly on the display surface.

In one embodiment, the display surface comprises a pattern of openings, and numerical representations of the plurality of numerical representations are in registration with openings of the pattern of openings. In one embodiment, the graphic design covers substantially all of the display surface.

In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes at least one appendage portion coupled to the support structure at an outboard location of the support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure has a substantially rectangular shape and the at least one appendage portion abuts a side of the support structure to provide the perimeter shape of the display surface with a shape other than the substantially rectangular shape of the support structure. In one embodiment, the at least one appendage portion includes first, second, third, and fourth appendage portions, each abutting one of the sides of the support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure includes first and second substantially parallel and substantially rectangular sheets coupled to one another via four channel members forming flanges near edges of the sheets. In one embodiment, the display surface includes a first display surface portion on the support structure and at least one second display surface portion on the at least one appendage portion, the at least one appendage portion abutting the side of the support structure to provide the graphic design on the display surface with an uninterrupted visual appearance. In one embodiment, the support structure includes a first support structure portion and a second support structure portion, and the display surface further includes a first display surface portion on the first support structure portion and a second display surface portion on the second support structure portion, the first and second support structure portions coupled to one another to provide the graphic design on the display surface with an uninterrupted visual appearance.

In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes a video monitor. In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes an electronic illumination device adapted to illuminate a portion of the scoreboard other than the plurality of numerical representations, wherein the electronic illumination device and the plurality of numerical representations are operable independently of one another. In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes perimeter lights located at perimeter regions of the display surface and operable independently of the plurality of numerical representations. In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes interactive lights located at selected regions of the display surface, the interactive lights adapted to be illuminated by an operator to correspond to an event.

In one embodiment, the display surface is substantially flat. In another embodiment, the display surface is three-dimensional. In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes a three-dimensional structure coupled to the support structure and embodying the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design.

According to another embodiment, a scoreboard for events includes a rigid support structure; at least one appendage portion coupled to and supported by the support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure and the at least one appendage portion, the display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to a perimeter shape of the support structure with the at least one appendage portion coupled thereto, the perimeter shape of the display surface embodying a theme; a graphic design overlying the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations.

In one embodiment, the graphic design embodies a theme that is substantially similar to the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface. In one embodiment, the graphic design overlies substantially all of the display surface.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of constructing a scoreboard having a rigid support structure, at least one appendage portion, and a display surface including a display surface portion of the support structure and at least one display surface portion of the at least one appendage portion, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme includes forming the display surface portion of the at least one appendage portion to have at least one appendage portion perimeter shape; and attaching the at least one appendage portion to at least one peripheral region of the support structure, the peripheral region selected so that the display surface of the scoreboard has the perimeter shape embodying the theme.

In one embodiment, the method further includes applying a graphic design to the display surface of the scoreboard, the graphic design embodying the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface.

In one embodiment, attaching the at least one appendage portion to the at least one peripheral region of the support structure includes sliding a flange of the support structure between a panel of the at least one appendage portion and a structural member of the at least one appendage portion, and connecting a brace between the at least one appendage portion and another flange of the support structure.

According to still another embodiment, a scoreboard for events includes a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a biographical theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the biographical theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations.

In one embodiment, a subject of the biographical theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design is a sports player. In one embodiment, the sports player of the biographical theme is a famous sports player inducted in a sports hall of fame. In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes a first appendage portion coupled to a first side of the support structure and displaying a name of the famous sports player; and a second appendage portion coupled to a second side of the support structure and displaying an image of the famous sports player, wherein the first and second appendage portions abut the first and second sides of the support structure to provide the perimeter shape of the display surface with a shape other than a shape of the support structure. In one embodiment, the graphic design includes player statistics of the famous sports player.

In one embodiment, the graphic design includes biographical data of a subject of the biographical theme. In one embodiment, the graphic design includes a name of a subject of the biographical theme. In one embodiment, the graphic design includes an image of a subject of the biographical theme.

In one embodiment, a scoreboard further includes at least one appendage portion coupled to the support structure at an outboard location of the support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure has a substantially rectangular shape and the at least one appendage portion abuts a side of the support structure to provide the perimeter shape of the display surface with a shape other than the substantially rectangular shape of the support structure. In one embodiment, the at least one appendage portion includes an appendage portion displaying a name of a subject of the biographical theme. In one embodiment, the at least one appendage portion includes an appendage portion displaying an image of the subject of the biographical theme. In one embodiment, the display surface includes a first display surface portion on the support structure and at least one second display surface portion on the at least one appendage portion, the at least one appendage portion abutting the side of the support structure to provide the graphic design on the display surface with an uninterrupted visual appearance.

According to still another embodiment, a scoreboard for events includes a scoreboard for events includes a rigid support structure; at least one appendage portion coupled to and supported by the support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure and the at least one appendage portion, the display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to a perimeter shape of the support structure with the at least one appendage portion coupled thereto, the perimeter shape of the display surface embodying a sports player theme; a graphic design overlying the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations.

In one embodiment, the graphic design embodies a theme that is substantially similar to the sports player theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface. In one embodiment, the at least one appendage portion comprises a first appendage portion displaying a name of the sports player, and a second appendage portion displaying an image of the sports player.

According to still another embodiment, a scoreboard for events includes a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations, wherein the scoreboard is configured for a user to electronically enter and change team names displayed on the scoreboard.

In one embodiment, the team names are enterable and changeable via a radio frequency signal of a key fob controllable by the user. In one embodiment, the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design is a sports player theme.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a scoreboard incorporating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a detail perspective view of a portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view of a support structure of the scoreboard of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a scoreboard having two support structures coupled together.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a scoreboard having appendage portions.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, front and side views of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, a front view and an exploded perspective view of an appendage portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is a detail side view of a portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6B is a partially exploded detail side view of a portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6C is a partially exploded detail side view of a portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 6D, 6E, and 6F are, respectively, perspective, front, and side views of a brace of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7A is a partially exploded detail side view of a portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 3 having another embodiment of a brace.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are, respectively, top and side views of a bracket for coupling to the brace of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the scoreboard of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of another portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18A is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18B is an exploded perspective view of the scoreboard of FIG. 18A.

FIGS. 18C and 18D are, respectively, an exploded perspective view and a front view of an appendage portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 18A.

FIGS. 18E and 18F are, respectively, an exploded perspective view and a front view of another appendage portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a scoreboard 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a rigid support structure 10; a display surface 15 coupled to the support structure 10; a graphic design overlying the display surface 15; and a plurality of numerical representations. In one embodiment, the display surface 15 includes a pattern of openings 28, the graphic design overlies the display surface without covering the openings 28 (e.g., a graphic sheet 30 having a pattern of openings 32 corresponding to the pattern of openings 28 of the display surface 15), and the numerical representations are in registration with the openings 28 (see, e.g., FIG. 2).

With further reference to FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, the support structure 10 is a rigid, hollow three-dimensional support structure including flat front and rear panels 12 and 14, a pair of vertical side panels 16, horizontal top and bottom panels 18, 20. The side panels 16 and the top and bottom panels 18, 20, in one embodiment, are U-shaped channels having a front flange 22 and a rear flange 23. The front and rear flanges 22, 23 are connected to inner surfaces of the front and rear panels 12, 14 (e.g., by fasteners, welding, mechanically cinching, or any other suitable device or method) in order to form a box-shaped construction of the support structure 10. The resulting support structure 10 when assembled is flanged all the way around the edges of both the front and rear panels 12, 14 (as shown, for example, in the scoreboard of FIG. 2). Corner brackets, such as bracket 24, are attached to and join the side panels 16 to the top and bottom panels 18 and 20 to further strengthen the support structure 10. In one embodiment, the components of the support structure 10 are formed of sheet metal. However, in alternative embodiments, the components of the support structure 10 may be formed of aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, and/or any other suitable material, and further may be covered with any suitable corrosion-resisting material, such as galvanneal coating, powder coating, and/or paint. Furthermore, the support structure 10 may be formed having a configuration varying from that described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The graphic design is applied to the display surface 15 of the scoreboard 100. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the graphic design is printed on a graphic sheet 30 that is attached to the display surface 15 by an adhesive. In one embodiment, the graphic sheet 30 is a vinyl sheet. Alternatively, the graphic sheet 30 may be formed of any other suitable material and may be attached to the display surface 15 by any other suitable device. Further, in alternative embodiments, the graphic design may be applied to the display surface 15 by any suitable device or method other than by attachment of the graphic sheet 30, such as by painting or printing directly on the display surface 15. Furthermore, although the graphic sheet 30 is depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C (as are graphic sheets of other embodiments described later herein) as having a pattern of openings 32 corresponding to the pattern of openings 28 of the display surface 15, the graphic sheet 30 may alternatively be formed of a transparent or translucent vinyl or other material such that the numerical representations are visible through the graphic sheet 30 and the pattern of openings 32 of the graphic sheet 30 is thereby unnecessary.

Reference is made to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/007,331 filed on Dec. 11, 2007 and design patent applications Ser. Nos. 29/298,937; 29/298,936; 29/298,934 and 29/298,931 filed on Dec. 14, 2007 for typical graphic designs used in practicing the invention. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated fully herein by reference. The graphic design, in some embodiments, follows a sports theme. In other embodiments, the graphic design embodies a geographic theme or other theme, or a combination of two or more themes that may be related or unrelated.

The support structure 10 functions as a housing for numerical representations of the scoreboard 100 (such as those shown in FIG. 2) and associated control circuitry. By way of example, each numerical representation may be formed of an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Alternatively, the numerical representations may be produced by any other suitable device or method, such as by incorporating a video monitor or a plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. As such, the scoreboard 100, in some embodiments, is an electromechanical scoreboard. According to one embodiment, the pattern of openings 28 is formed in the front panel 12 (see FIG. 1C), the corresponding pattern of openings 32 is formed in the graphic sheet 30 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), and the numerical representations are in registration with the openings 28 and 32 so that the numerical representations are visible from outside of the scoreboard 100. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the front panel 12 does not have the openings 28, and the numerical representations are surface-mounted on the front panel 12. As such, the graphic sheet 30 may include the pattern of openings 32, or alternatively, may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, as described above.

In one embodiment, the support structure 10 may function as a housing for one or more video monitors of the scoreboard 100, such as a plasma, LCD, or LED screen. The video monitors may be operated in conjunction with or separately from the numerical representations of the scoreboard 100. Further, the scoreboard may include an electronic message center configured to flash, scroll, or otherwise display messages. An electronic message center may be embodied in a video monitor or may be a separate device. Moreover, the scoreboard 100 may include one or both of a video monitor or an electronic message center.

With reference to FIG. 2, a scoreboard 200 has a display surface that is enlarged by coupling two or more three-dimensional support structures 10 a, 10 b together. The support structures 10 a, 10 b have substantially the same components and construction as the support structure 10 described above and shown in FIG. 1C. The support structures 10 a, 10 b are connected together by plates 38 set between the front and rear flanges 22, 23 of the side panels 16. The plates 38, in one embodiment, are secured to each of the support structures 10 a, 10 b via fasteners, but alternatively may be secured via welding. Moreover, in alternative embodiments, the support structures 10 a, 10 b may be coupled together using any other suitable device of method, as opposed to utilizing the plates 38.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the scoreboard 200 has a display surface made up of the display surfaces 15 a, 15 b of each of the support structures 10 a, 10 b. In the embodiment shown, the display surface of the scoreboard 200 is substantially rectangular. However, in alternative embodiments, the scoreboard 200 may have a display surface having any desired perimeter shape. Additionally, the scoreboard 200 includes a graphic design on the display surface. In one embodiment, the graphic design is made up of graphic sheets 30 a, 30 b attached to the display surfaces 15 a, 15 b. Alternatively, the graphic design may be formed on a single graphic sheet having a perimeter shape corresponding to the display surface of the scoreboard 200, as a whole, and that is attached to the display surface of the scoreboard 200.

The display surfaces 15 a, 15 b and the graphic sheets 30 a, 30 b include openings 28 and 32, respectively, for displaying numerical representations of the scoreboard. By way of example, each numerical representation could be formed by an array of LEDs such as array 26. The LEDs are in registration with the openings 28 and 32 described above so that the LEDs are visible from the outside of the scoreboard. Further, in one embodiment, the scoreboard 200 includes protective covers 27 and retaining frames 29 over the openings 28 and 32.

With reference to FIG. 3, a scoreboard 300 includes one or more support structures, such as support structures 10 a, 10 b, that are connected together, such as described above with respect to the scoreboard 200. In addition, the scoreboard 300 includes one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d that are connected to the one or more support structures 10 a, 10 b in the manner described below in connection with FIGS. 3-6F. Further, each of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d has a respective display surface 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d. Because of the added appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d, the scoreboard 300 has a display surface made up of all of the display surfaces 15 a, 15 b, 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d that is enlarged and that may have any desired perimeter shape. Although the scoreboard 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes the four appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d, one of which is located on each side of the substantially rectangular structure consisting of the support structures 10 a, 10 b, the scoreboard 300 may alternatively include more than one appendage portion on a single side of one of the support structures 10 a, 10 b, or alternatively, there may be one or more sides of the support structures 10 a, 10 b that do not have an appendage portion attached thereto. In one embodiment, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d are formed of a weather-resistant sheet metal. However, in alternative embodiments, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, plastic and/or any other suitable material, and further may be covered with any suitable corrosion-resisting material, such as galvanneal coating, powder coating, and/or paint.

The display surface of the scoreboard 300 is enlarged and adapted to have different shapes as a result of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d that are attached to the support structures 10 a, 10 b. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, if the display surface of the scoreboard 300 embodies a shape of a basketball or other circular object, the perimeter edges of the display surfaces 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d are curved to form a circle when coupled to the support structures 10 a and 10 b. If the display surface of the scoreboard 300 has a different perimeter shape, in each case, the appendage portions have perimeter edges to produce that shape. In addition, each of the display surfaces 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d has a respective graphic sheet 30 c, 30 d, 30 e, 30 f attached thereto, such that the scoreboard 300, as a whole, includes a graphic design made up of all of the graphic sheets 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 30 e, 30 f. In an alternative embodiment, the scoreboard 300 may have a graphic design made up of a single graphic sheet that is attached to the display surface of the scoreboard 300 after the support structures 10 a, 10 b and the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d have been assembled as a unitary structure.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 c, according to one embodiment, are coupled to the support structures 10 a, 10 b via braces 46 a and are supported directly from the support structures 10 a, 10 b. Although not shown, the appendage portions 40 b, 40 d may be coupled to the support structures 10 a, 10 b in the same manner. Alternatively, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be coupled to the support structures 10 a, 10 b via brackets, fasteners, or any other suitable device or combination of devices. The support structures 10 a, 10 b may include apertures or other suitable devices for supporting or mounting the scoreboard 300 above the ground, such as via posts or mounting devices.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the appendage portion 40 a includes a front panel 42 having the display surface 45 a. In one embodiment, a stiffening brace 48 is attached (e.g., by welding, fasteners, rivets, or any other suitable device or method) to the side of the front panel 42 opposite the display surface 45 a. The stiffening brace 48, which may be a bowed brace, provides stiffness and rigidity to the appendage portion 40 a, as may be required to withstand winds, for example. Depending on wind rating requirements and/or the size of the appendage portion 40 a, the stiffening brace 48 may be formed of a structural angle, square tubing, or any other suitable structural member. Alternatively, the appendage portion 40 a may be constructed without the stiffening brace, such as where the appendage portion 40 a protrudes only a small distance from the support structure 10 a (e.g., less than eight inches) and, as a result, will not be affected substantially by wind forces.

Further, in one embodiment, an angle member 50, such as a right angle bar, is attached (e.g., by welding, fasteners, or any other suitable device or method) to the side of the front panel 42 opposite the display surface 45 a to provide a means of attaching the appendage portion 40 a to the support structure 10 a. For example, in one embodiment, the angle member 50 is attachable to the front flange 22 of one of the side panels 16 of the support structure 10 a. The other appendage portions 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may have the same or similar components and structure as described above with respect to the appendage portion 40 a.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the braces 46 a are utilized to connect an appendage portion (e.g., the appendage portion 40 a) to a support structure (e.g., the support structure 10 a). Specifically, the appendage portion 40 a is configured to slide over the front panel 12 and the front flange 22 of the support structure 10 a, such as by sliding the front panel 12 and the front flange 22 into a gap 51 (see FIG. 6C) formed between the front panel 42 and the angle member 50 of the appendage portion 40 a (e.g., with an interference fit). As a result of the sliding on the front panel 12 and the front flange 22 into the gap 51, an overlap is created between the appendage portion 40 a and the support structure 10 a. In one embodiment, an interference fit is about 1.5 inches and the appendage portion extends between about 7 inches and about 47 inches from the support structure 10 a, but in alternative embodiments, an overlap may be any other suitable overlap for providing structural rigidity and strength between the appendage portion 40 a and the support structure 10 a or there may be no overlap at all. The gap 51 may be formed, for example, by welding only a top region of the angle member 50 to the front panel 42, such that the gap 51 remains at a lower edge of the front panel 42 and a lower region of the angle member 50. Further, the angle member 50 may be attached to the support structure 10 a via one or more fasteners (see FIG. 7A), or via any other suitable device, for additional structural support.

Each of the braces 46 a is connected at a first end of the brace 46 a to the stiffening brace 48 and at a second end of the brace 46 b to the rear flange 23 of one of the panels 16, 18, 20 of one of the support structures 10 a, 10 b via fasteners, or alternatively, by welding or any other suitable device or method. In one embodiment, the brace 46 a has a slot 54 a, or oblong hole, formed near the second end where the brace 46 a is connected to the support structure 10 a, 10 b. The slot 54 a, or oblong hole, provides for axial movement of the brace 46 a during installation.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, according to another embodiment, one or more of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be coupled to one or more of the support structures 10 a, 10 b via a substantially flat brace 46 b. Further, each of the braces 46 b may be secured at one end to the stiffening brace 48 and at the other end to the rear flange 23 of one of the panels 16, 18, 20 of the support structure 10 a via connecting brackets 52, shown in further detail in FIGS. 7B and 7C. The braces 46 b, in one embodiment, are connected to the connecting brackets 52 via fasteners, but alternatively may be connected by welding or any other suitable device or method. The connecting brackets 52 include an oblong hole 54 b, or a slot, for receiving a fastener. Additionally, the oblong hole 54 b allows axial movement of the connecting bracket 52 during installation. Of course, as described above, in another embodiment, the braces 46 a may connect the appendage portions to the support structures without the connecting brackets. Furthermore, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be attached to the support structures 10 a, 10 b by any other suitable device or method other than or in addition to those described above, including, but not limited to, utilizing rivets, screws, adhesive, welding, and/or interference fit, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 8-12, according to another embodiment of the invention, a scoreboard 400 has another configuration. In the embodiment shown, the scoreboard 400 includes a display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to a shape of a baseball bat, although other embodiments of the scoreboard 400 are not limited to this shape and may include a display surface having any desired perimeter shape. For example, the scoreboard 400 may have a perimeter shape corresponding to any other sports theme, or alternatively, to a geographic theme, a community theme, a recreation or activity-based theme, a sponsor-based theme, a mascot theme, or any other desired theme. Many of the components of the scoreboard 400 are similar to and perform a function similar to corresponding components of the scoreboards 100, 200, 300 described above. These components are shown using the same reference numerals and are not described anew herein with reference to the scoreboard 400.

The scoreboard 400 has one or more support structures, such as support structures 410 a, 410 b shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The support structures 410 a, 410 b have front panels 412 a, 412 b having any desired perimeter shape, such as that of a baseball bat, although rear panels and other portions of the support structures 410 a, 410 b may have a substantially rectangular shape for providing structural rigidity and ease of manufacturing. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, a display surface of the scoreboard 400 is made up of display surfaces 415 a, 415 b, which are front surfaces of the front panels 412 a, 412 b. As such, an outer perimeter shape of the display surface of the scoreboard 400 is defined by perimeter shapes of the front panels 412 a, 412 b of the support structures 410 a, 410 b (e.g., a shape of a bat handle and a shape of a barrel end of a bat). This is in contrast to the scoreboard 300 described above, in which a perimeter shape of the display surface was defined, at least in part, by perimeter shapes of the display surfaces 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d.

The scoreboard 400 may further include a graphic design on the display surfaces 415 a, 415 b. In one embodiment, a graphic design may embody a theme corresponding to a theme embodied by a perimeter shape of the display surface. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8-12, a the scoreboard 400 has a display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of a baseball bat, and further includes a graphic design incorporating wood grain lines and/or grip tape on the handle end of the bat. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8-12, according to one embodiment, the graphic design may be printed on graphic sheets 430 a, 430 b that are applied to the display surfaces 415 a, 415 b, similar to the graphic sheets 30 a, 30 b of the scoreboard 200 described above. Alternatively, the graphic design may be printed directly on the display surfaces 415 a, 415 b or applied to the display surfaces 415 a, 415 b via any other suitable device or method.

That is, a scoreboard may be made up of a number of modular elements in accordance with the principles of the invention. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6F, for example, one or more three-dimensional support structures are joined together and one or more outboard panels, or appendage portions, are coupled to the three-dimensional support structure(s) to form a display surface having a desired perimeter shape. Moreover, a graphic design (e.g., a graphic design printed on a vinyl sheet) that follows the perimeter shape of the support structure(s) and outboard panel(s) coupled thereto may be attached to the display surface. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, the display surface having a desired perimeter shape is incorporated in one or more three-dimensional support structures, themselves, without outboard panels coupled thereto.

A scoreboard according to embodiments of the present invention may include a display surface having an outer perimeter shape that incorporates a theme. With reference to FIG. 13, a scoreboard 500 includes a display surface having a perimeter shape that incorporates or embodies a sports theme, i.e. a football. Of course, in other embodiments, the scoreboard 500 may have a display surface having a perimeter shape embodying any other desired sports theme. For example, the scoreboard 500 may have a display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to that of a sports ball, sporting field, sporting court, sporting rink, article of sports equipment, sports player, sports mascot, sports trophy, or any other desired shape having a sports theme. The scoreboard 500 also includes numerical representations 525, and in one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 500 has openings for displaying the numerical representations 525. In another embodiment, the numerical representations 525 may include LEDs or other devices that are surface-mounted on the display surface.

With further reference to FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, the scoreboard 500 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 540 a, 540 b, 540 c, 540 d, to a support structure 510 at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure 510. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 500 is made up of a first display surface portion 515 on the support structure 510 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such as display surface portions 545 a, 545 b, 545 c, 545 d on the appendage portions 540 a, 540 b, 540 c, 540 d.

With further reference to FIG. 13, the display surface of the scoreboard 500 that has a perimeter shape embodying a sports theme may further include a graphic design embodying the same sports theme. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the display surface of the scoreboard 500 includes a graphic design depicting stripes and laces, and may further depict a dimpled texture (not shown), of a football. In another embodiment of the scoreboard 500, the display surface has a perimeter shape of a baseball diamond and may include a graphic design depicting bases, grass, baselines, a pitcher's mound, and/or other objects associated with a baseball diamond. Alternatively, the scoreboard 500 may include a graphic design incorporating a sports theme other than the sports theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface, or the scoreboard 500 may include a graphic design incorporating a non-sports theme or a combination of themes. The graphic design may be printed on a graphic sheet 530 of vinyl or any other suitable material that is attached to the display surface or, alternatively, the graphic design may be printed directly on the display surface or applied to the scoreboard 500 using any other suitable device or method.

With reference to FIG. 14, according to another embodiment, a scoreboard 550, similar to the scoreboard 200 described above, includes a support structure 560 having a display surface 565, as well as numerical representations 575, but does not include appendage portions as described above with respect to the scoreboard 500. That is, the display surface 565 has a perimeter shape substantially the same as the shape of the support structure 560. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the display surface 565 has a substantially rectangular perimeter shape. Moreover, the perimeter shape of the display surface 565 embodies a theme having a corresponding shape (i.e. a rectangular shape), and the scoreboard 550 further includes a graphic design embodying the same or a substantially similar theme. For example, the scoreboard 550 shown in FIG. 14 has a graphic design depicting stripes on a basketball court, and may further depict a wood-grain floor (not shown), and this graphic design corresponds to the perimeter shape of the display surface 565 which, in turn, embodies the theme of a basketball court because it is rectangular.

In other embodiments, the graphic design of the scoreboard 550 may incorporate or embody any other desired theme, such as a sports theme that is also embodied by the rectangular perimeter shape of the display surface 565. For example, the scoreboard 550 may include a graphic design embodying a theme of a soccer field or a football field, such as by including goals or yardage markings, respectively. Furthermore, the support structure 560 and the display surface 565 are not limited to a rectangular perimeter shape. For example, the support structure 560 and the display surface 565 may have an oval shape or otherwise rounded comers, corresponding to a shape of a racetrack or a hockey rink. The graphic design, in one embodiment, is printed on a graphic sheet 580 of vinyl or any other suitable material and adhered to the display surface 565 utilizing an adhesive. Alternatively, the graphic design may be printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface 565, or applied to the display surface 565 via any other suitable device or method.

Of course, according to other embodiments of the present invention, a scoreboard may have a display surface having a perimeter shape and/or a graphic design embodying any other desired theme. For example, a scoreboard may have a display surface and/or a graphic design embodying a theme corresponding to a geographic theme (such as a shape of a state or county); a community theme (such as a city seal, a flag, or a shape or depiction of an object commonly associated with a particular community); a park, recreation, or activity-based theme; a sponsor-based theme (such as a shape or depiction of a soft drink container, food, or other product or service of a sponsor); a mascot theme, or any other desired theme. As described above with respect to the scoreboards 500, 550 embodying a sports theme, a graphic design of a scoreboard may embody a same or similar theme as a theme embodied by a perimeter shape of the display surface of the scoreboard.

With reference to FIG. 15, a scoreboard 600 includes numerical representations 625 and a display surface having an outer perimeter shape that embodies a geographic theme. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the display surface of the scoreboard 600 has a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of the state of Texas. Alternatively, the display surface of the scoreboard 600 may have a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of any other state, country, province, county, or other desired geographic region. Further, as described above with respect to the scoreboard 500, the display surface of the scoreboard 600 may include a graphic design embodying a theme substantially similar to or the same as the theme of the perimeter shape of the display surface and/or a graphic design incorporating a different theme. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the scoreboard 600 has a graphic design showing a star, thereby embodying a theme corresponding to the theme of the perimeter shape of the display surface. The graphic design may also include wavy lines to give the appearance of a flag and/or may include the colors of the state flag of Texas. The graphic design may be printed on a vinyl sheet 630 that is attached to the display surface, as described above. Alternatively, the graphic design may be printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface of the scoreboard 600 or applied to the scoreboard 600 using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIG. 15, according to one embodiment, similar to the scoreboard 300 described above, the scoreboard 600 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 640 a, 640 b, 640 c, 640 d, to a support structure 610 at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure 610. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 600 is made up of a first display surface portion 615 on the support structure 610 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such as display surface portions 645 a, 645 b, 645 c, 645 d on the appendage portions 640 a, 640 b, 640 c, 640 d.

With reference to FIG. 16, a scoreboard 650 includes numerical representations 675 and a display surface having an outer perimeter shape that embodies a park, community, or recreation-based, theme. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the display surface of the scoreboard 650 has a perimeter shape corresponding to a park or city seal. Alternatively, the display surface of the scoreboard 650 may have a perimeter shape corresponding to any other desired park or recreation-based theme. Further, the scoreboard 650, according to one embodiment, includes a graphic design embodying a theme corresponding to the theme of the perimeter shape of the display surface. Alternatively, the scoreboard 650 may include a graphic design incorporating one or more themes that are different than the theme embodied by the perimeter shape. The graphic design may be printed on a graphic sheet 680 that is attached to the display surface, or alternatively, the graphic design may be printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface of the scoreboard 650 or applied to the scoreboard 650 using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIG. 16, according to one embodiment, similar to the scoreboard 300 described above, the scoreboard 650 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 690 a, 690 b, 690 c, 690 d, to a support structure 660 at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure 660. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 650 is made up of a first display surface portion 665 on the support structure 660 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such as display surface portions 695 a, 695 b, 695 c, 695 d on the appendage portions 690 a, 690 b, 690 c, 690 d.

With reference to FIG. 17, a scoreboard 700 includes numerical representations 725 and a display surface having an outer perimeter shape that embodies a community, or activity-based, theme. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the display surface of the scoreboard 700 has a perimeter shape corresponding to a hot-air balloon. Alternatively, the display surface of the scoreboard 700 may have a perimeter shape corresponding to any other activity-based or community-based theme. Alternatively, the scoreboard 700 may include a graphic design incorporating one or more themes that are different than the theme embodied by the perimeter shape. The graphic design may be printed on a graphic sheet 730 that is attached to the display surface, or alternatively, the graphic design may be printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface of the scoreboard 700 or applied to the scoreboard 700 using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIG. 17, according to one embodiment, the scoreboard 700 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 740 a, 740 b, 740 c, 740 d, to a support structure 710 at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure 710. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 700 is made up of a first display surface portion 715 on the support structure 710 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such as display surface portions 745 a, 745 b, 745 c, 745 d on the appendage portions 740 a, 740 b, 740 c, 740 d. The appendage portions 740 a, 740 b, 740 c, 740 d may be attached to the support structure 710 as described above with respect to the scoreboard 300 or via any other suitable device or method.

With reference to FIGS. 18A-18F, according to another embodiment, a scoreboard 750 has a display surface having a perimeter shape substantially corresponding to a sponsor-based theme. For example, the scoreboard 750 shown in FIGS. 18A-18F has a perimeter shape embodying a shape of a sponsor's soft drink bottle cap. Of course, in other embodiments, the scoreboard 750 may have a perimeter shape corresponding to any other object or article associated with a sponsor. The scoreboard 750 also includes numerical representations 775. Further, the scoreboard 750 may have a graphic design embodying the same theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, according to one embodiment, a graphic design includes the word “DRINK” and the Coca-Cola logo. COCA-COLA is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. Further, the graphic design of the scoreboard having a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of a bottle cap may be red in color and/or have lines depicting a shiny, metallic surface. Of course, according to other embodiments, the scoreboard 750 may include any other desired graphic design associated with a sponsor and corresponding to a sponsor-based theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface. Alternatively, the scoreboard 750 may include a graphic design incorporating one or more themes that are different than the theme embodied by the perimeter shape. The graphic design may be printed on a graphic sheet 780 that is attached to the display surface, or alternatively, the graphic design may be printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface of the scoreboard 750 or applied to the scoreboard 750 using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, according to one embodiment, the scoreboard 750 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 790 a, 790 b, 790 c, 790 d, to a support structure 760 at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure 760. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 750 is made up of a first display surface portion 765 on the support structure 760 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such as display surface portions 795 a, 795 b, 795 c, 795 d on the appendage portions 790 a, 790 b, 790 c, 790 d. The appendage portions 790 a, 790 b, 790 c, 790 d may be attached to the support structure 760 as described above with respect to the scoreboard 300 or via any other suitable device or method. The graphic sheet 780 is not shown in FIG. 18B for clarity.

With further reference to FIGS. 18C-18F, the appendage portions 790 a and 790 b having the display surfaces 795 a and 795 b, respectively, are shown in further detail. According to one embodiment, the appendage portions 790 a, 790 b (and also the appendage portions 790 c, 790 d described above) include stiffening braces 796 a, 796 b and angle members 798 a, 798 b on a surface opposite the display surfaces 795 a, 795 b (i.e. a rear surface). The stiffening braces 796 a, 796 b and the angle members 798 a, 798 b are similar in structure and function to the stiffening brace 48 and the angle member 50, respectively, described above with respect to the scoreboard 300. The graphic sheet 780 is not shown in FIGS. 18C-18F for clarity.

With reference to FIG. 19, according to another embodiment, a scoreboard 800 includes a three-dimensional display surface 815. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the three-dimensional display surface 815 has an outer perimeter shape corresponding to a shape of a baseball bat and also has a curvature in a depth direction such that the display surface 815 more realistically embodies the appearance of a baseball bat. Additionally, in one embodiment, the scoreboard 800 includes tapered or beveled portions 820 around the numerical representations so that the numerical representations are not obstructed by the three-dimensional shape of the display surface 815 when viewed from an angle, such as from a side of the scoreboard 800. Of course, in other embodiments of the scoreboard 800, the three-dimensional display surface 815 may have a perimeter shape and a curvature in a depth direction embodying a shape of any other desired object, such as, but not limited to, a football helmet, a ball, or a sports pennant.

Also, the scoreboard 800 (or another scoreboard having a substantially flat display surface) may include one or more structures having a three-dimensional shape that are attached to a portion of the scoreboard to provide the scoreboard with the appearance of a three-dimensional object. For example, according to one embodiment, a scoreboard may include tubing having the appearance and shape of a football face guard to provide the scoreboard with the appearance of a football helmet. In this embodiment, the scoreboard may further have a three-dimensional display surface having a perimeter shape and appearance of a football helmet.

In one embodiment, a scoreboard may include one or more three-dimensional structures protruding from the display surface of the scoreboard to more realistically provide the display surface with the appearance of an object of the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface. For example, a scoreboard having a perimeter shape of a baseball or a football may further include one or more structures protruding from the display surface having the appearance of seams of a baseball or laces of a football, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 20, a scoreboard 900 includes a display surface 915 and numerical representations 925. The scoreboard 900 may further include a graphic design 930, such as on a graphic sheet, as described above (e.g., a vinyl sheet applied by an adhesive), or a graphic design printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface 915. The scoreboard 900, in one embodiment, further includes one or more electronic illumination devices 920 on the display surface 915. The electronic illumination device 920 may be a video monitor or any other suitable illumination device, and may be located at any desired location on the scoreboard 900. The electronic illumination device 920 may depict a team name, a school name, a logo (e.g., a logo for a sports team), or any other desired object. The electronic illumination device 920 may be operated via a wireless key fob. Further, in one embodiment, the electronic illumination device 920 is operable independently of the numerical representations of the main scoreboard and controllable via separate software. In addition, the scoreboard 900 may include two or more electronic illumination devices 920 at different locations on the display surface 915 that are synchronized with one another for producing more visually appealing displays. For example, the electronic illumination devices 920 may be synchronized to illuminate either concurrently, in succession, in alternating succession, or in any other desired pattern.

With further reference to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, the scoreboard 900 includes a multitude of perimeter lights 932. The perimeter lights 932 are located at or near one or more perimeter edges of the display surface 915 (e.g., at locations selected to avoid visually detracting from a graphic design on the display surface 915). In one embodiment, the perimeter lights 932 are individual light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be white LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to be installed indoors, super-bright red LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to be installed outdoors, or alternatively, the perimeter lights may be LEDs of any other desired color or combination of colors, or any other suitable illumination device other than LEDs. The perimeter lights 932 may be programmed for several distinct patterns of illumination, such as scrolling, flashing, chasing, or any other desired pattern. Furthermore, a period of illumination may be controlled to have any desired duration, such as between about five and eight seconds.

The perimeter lights 932 may be configured to be operable through a main scoreboard controller via a scoreboard function key. For example, the controller may have a default setting in which the perimeter lights 932 are not illuminated. Alternatively, the perimeter lights 932 may be operable via a wireless controller separate from the main scoreboard controller. Such a wireless controller may be configured to illuminate the perimeter lights 932 when an operator presses a single key. Moreover, the wireless controller for operating the perimeter lights 932 may be configured to override the main scoreboard controller upon activation.

With further reference to FIG. 20, the scoreboard 900 may include interactive lights on the display surface 915 (e.g., at locations selected to avoid visually detracting from a graphic design on the display surface 915). For example, in one embodiment, the scoreboard 900 includes a display surface 915 having a perimeter shape embodying the shape of a baseball diamond and includes interactive base path lights 940 that may be illuminated to depict an event in a baseball game. For example, when a player hits a single, the base path lights 940 between home plate and first base may light up or flash for a period of time, such as between about five and eight seconds. Similarly, for a double, triple, or home run, the base path lights 940 between the corresponding bases would be illuminated. Further, the scoreboard 900, in one embodiment, includes interactive base lights 942 that may be illuminated by an operator to represent that a player is at a particular base corresponding to the illuminated interactive base light 942. For example, after a player hits a double, the interactive base light 942 may be illuminated to represent that there is a base runner at second base.

The interactive lights 940, 942, in one embodiment, are individual LEDs, such as white LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to be installed indoors, super-bright red LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to be installed outdoors, or alternatively, LEDs of any other desired color or combination of colors. Alternatively, the interactive lights 940, 942 may include tube lights or any other suitable device for interactively illuminating a desired region of the scoreboard 900. Further, the interactive lights 940, 942 may be controlled by the main scoreboard operator (i.e. the operator who controls the display of the numerical representations).

Other embodiments of a scoreboard according to the present invention may include interactive lights configured to be illuminated to represent other events of a sporting event. For example, in a scoreboard utilized for a basketball game and having a perimeter shape and graphics embodying a basketball court, interactive lights on the scoreboard may be located at a foul line or a three-point line and may be illuminated to represent, respectively, a free throw or a three-point shot being made. In another example, a scoreboard for use at a football game may have a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of a football field and include interactive lights configured to indicate a yardage line on the actual field where a team has possession of the football by illuminating a region along a length of the scoreboard corresponding to that yardage line. Further, a football scoreboard may include interactive lights at an end zone region configured to illuminate or flash for a desired period of time, such as for about ten seconds, after a team scores a touchdown. Yet another example according to the present invention is a scoreboard having a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of a soccer field and including interactive lights at a goal region that are adapted to illuminate when a team scores a goal, and/or interactive lights at a corner region of the “field” of the scoreboard that are configured to be illuminated when a team is attempting a corner kick.

Although the scoreboard 900 is depicted in FIG. 20 as including each of the electronic illumination device 920, the perimeter lights 932, and the interactive lights 940, 942, embodiments of the scoreboard 900 may include only one of these described components or any desired combination thereof. For example, the scoreboard 900 may include the electronic illumination device 920 and the interactive lights 940, 942, but not the perimeter lights 932. Alternatively, the scoreboard 900 may include any other desired combination of these described features. Further, the electronic illumination device 920, the perimeter lights 932, and the interactive lights 940, 942, or any combination thereof, may also be provided on any of the embodiments of a scoreboard of the present invention described earlier herein.

With reference to FIG. 21, a scoreboard 850 includes numerical representations 875 and a display surface having an outer perimeter shape that embodies a biographical theme. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the display surface of the scoreboard 850 has a perimeter shape incorporating both a silhouette or image of a baseball player and a silhouette and image of a name (e.g., the name of the baseball player shown). Alternatively, the display surface of the scoreboard 850 may have a perimeter shape corresponding to a name and/or image of any other sports player or person, in general. Additionally, in one embodiment, the image and/or name of the sports player may be those of a famous sports player, such as a sports player inducted in a sports hall of fame. Further, the scoreboard 850, according to one embodiment, includes a graphic design 880 embodying a theme corresponding to the theme of the perimeter shape of the display surface. For example, the graphic design 880 may further graphically depict the name and/or image of the sports player (e.g., a uniform color and/or team logo of the sports player) or other person represented by the perimeter shape of the display surface. Further, in one embodiment, the graphic design 880 includes biographical data and/or player statistics of the subject of the biographical theme. Alternatively, the scoreboard 850 may include a graphic design 880 incorporating one or more themes that are different than the theme embodied by the perimeter shape. The graphic design 880 may be printed on a graphic sheet that is attached to the display surface (e.g., a vinyl graphic sheet attached via an adhesive), or alternatively, the graphic design 880 may be printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface of the scoreboard 850 or applied to the scoreboard 850 using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIG. 21, according to one embodiment, similar to the scoreboard 300 and other embodiments described above, the scoreboard 850 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 890 a and 890 b, to a support structure 860 (e.g., a rectangular support structure) at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure 860. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 850 is made up of a first display surface portion 865 on the support structure 860 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such as display surface portions 895 a and 895 b on respective appendage portions 890 a and 890 b. As shown in FIG. 21, in one embodiment, the appendage portion 890 a includes a name of a sports player, and the appendage portion 890 b includes an image of the sports player. Alternatively, the scoreboard 850 may include only one of the two above-described appendage portions (e.g., only the appendage portion 890 a showing the sports player's name, or only the appendage portion 890 b showing the sports player's image), or any other number of appendage portions displaying a name, image, and/or other aspect of a biographical theme. Alternatively, a person's name and image may be displayed on the same appendage portion.

With reference to FIG. 22, the scoreboard 950 includes a display surface 965 and numerical representations 975. The scoreboard 950 may have a perimeter shape embodying a sports theme or other theme, and may further include one or more appendages extending from a side of a support structure of the scoreboard 950, as described above with respect to other embodiments of the present invention, in order to provide the scoreboard 950 with the perimeter shape embodying the theme. The scoreboard 950 may further include a graphic design 980, such as on a graphic sheet, as described above (e.g., a vinyl sheet applied by an adhesive), or a graphic design printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface 965. In some embodiments, the graphic design 980 embodies a theme that is the same as or substantially similar to the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the scoreboard 950.

With further reference to FIG. 22, the scoreboard 950, in one embodiment, further includes one or more electronic devices 990 on the display surface 965 adapted to display team names. Moreover, the electronic devices 990 are configured such that displayed team names can be easily entered or changed by a user via a wireless key fob. As such, the electronic devices 990 may be controlled to enter or change team names displayed on the scoreboard 950 without the use of a computer or associated software. As a result, the cost of controlling the scoreboard 950 may be substantially less than typical scoreboards. The wireless key fob, in one embodiment, is adapted to send a radio frequency (RF) signal to the scoreboard 950. Further, in one embodiment, the electronic devices 990 are operable independently of the numerical representations of the main scoreboard. Each of the electronic devices 990, in one embodiment, includes a series of printed circuit boards (PCBs) housed in a case, wherein each of the PCBs is adapted to display one character (e.g., one character of a team name). Further, in one embodiment, the PCBs may be low-cost, low-resolution devices for providing a low-cost solution for easily entering and changing team names displayed by the scoreboard 950.

Although the drawings illustrate the invention as applied to a scoreboard for sporting events, it will be apparent that the novel aspects of the scoreboard of the invention may also be applied to other applications. Further, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a scoreboard may incorporate or embody various combinations of the themes described above with respect to the shapes and graphics of the display panels, as well as alternative themes not described herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The preceding description has been presented with reference to various embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention. 

1. A scoreboard for events, the scoreboard comprising: a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a biographical theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the biographical theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations.
 2. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein a subject of the biographical theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design is a sports player.
 3. The scoreboard of claim 2, wherein the sports player of the biographical theme is a famous sports player inducted in a sports hall of fame.
 4. The scoreboard of claim 3, further comprising: a first appendage portion coupled to a first side of the support structure and displaying a name of the famous sports player; and a second appendage portion coupled to a second side of the support structure and displaying an image of the famous sports player, wherein the first and second appendage portions abut the first and second sides of the support structure to provide the perimeter shape of the display surface with a shape other than a shape of the support structure.
 5. The scoreboard of claim 4, wherein the graphic design includes player statistics of the famous sports player.
 6. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the graphic design includes biographical data of a subject of the biographical theme.
 7. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the graphic design includes a name of a subject of the biographical theme.
 8. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the graphic design includes an image of a subject of the biographical theme.
 9. The scoreboard of claim 1, further comprising at least one appendage portion coupled to the support structure at an outboard location of the support structure.
 10. The scoreboard of claim 9, wherein the support structure has a substantially rectangular shape and the at least one appendage portion abuts a side of the support structure to provide the perimeter shape of the display surface with a shape other than the substantially rectangular shape of the support structure.
 11. The scoreboard of claim 10, wherein the at least one appendage portion comprises an appendage portion displaying a name of a subject of the biographical theme.
 12. The scoreboard of claim 11, wherein the at least one appendage portion further comprises another appendage portion displaying an image of the subject of the biographical theme.
 13. The scoreboard of claim 10, wherein the at least one appendage portion comprises an appendage portion displaying an image of a subject of the biographical theme.
 14. The scoreboard of claim 10, wherein the display surface comprises a first display surface portion on the support structure and at least one second display surface portion on the at least one appendage portion, the at least one appendage portion abutting the side of the support structure to provide the graphic design on the display surface with an uninterrupted visual appearance.
 15. A scoreboard for events, the scoreboard comprising: a rigid support structure; at least one appendage portion coupled to and supported by the support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure and the at least one appendage portion, the display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to a perimeter shape of the support structure with the at least one appendage portion coupled thereto, the perimeter shape of the display surface embodying a sports player theme; a graphic design overlying the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations.
 16. The scoreboard of claim 15, wherein the graphic design embodies a theme that is substantially similar to the sports player theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface.
 17. The scoreboard of claim 15, wherein the at least one appendage portion comprises a first appendage portion displaying a name of the sports player, and a second appendage portion displaying an image of the sports player.
 18. A scoreboard for events, the scoreboard comprising: a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations, wherein the scoreboard is configured for a user to electronically enter and change team names displayed on the scoreboard.
 19. The scoreboard of claim 18, wherein the team names are enterable and changeable via a radio frequency signal of a key fob controllable by the user.
 20. The scoreboard of claim 18, wherein the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design is a sports player theme. 